Stay in the loop

According to the The Star, a new poll says Toronto is split on how to finance a downtown relief line. 45 per cent of respondents said they were willing to pay for the infrastructure with a $50 annual property tax hike, while 40 per cent said they were opposed. 15 per cent said they weren't sure. The proposed line would connect Pape and King stations to take pressure off the Yonge line. Does these results surprise you? Where do you stand on a property tax hike for transit?

The 108th annual Santa Claus parade brought festive cheer to late November this weekend. The parade, which featured Rob Ford handing out candy canes, ran from Christie Pits Park to the St. Lawrence Market. CTV helpfully notes the candies were stored in a "reusable black canvas bag." The parade was shown on TV in New Zealand, Norway and Ireland, apparently. We'll have pictures shortly.

Doug Ford defended his "workaholic" brother on a special solo edition of their weekly this weekend. Guest starring councillor Frances Nunziata while Ford was busy on parade duty, the show featured a justification of the mayor's dedication to time spent coaching the Don Bosco Eagles. Is the coaching justified now his team is seeing success?

The reversible centre lane on Jarvis Street is set for its first major workout this morning. Two bike lanes made way for the additional vehicle lane, which has been open since Saturday. Perhaps the hardest pill to swallow for cyclists still smarting from the loss: the reappearance of on-street parking on the west side of Jarvis. Will you use the street if you commute by car? Will you still ride if you're a cyclist?

Finally, in case you missed it this weekend, the Toronto Argonauts are heading to the Grey Cup thanks to their closely-fought win over the Montreal Alouettes Sunday. The championship game will be played against the Calgary Stampeders at Rogers Centre next weekend.